Millennial Star

Odder 1952

MiiiNmiii siii

Volume 114

Number 10

1 1 3th Year

the

MILLENNIAL STAR

Official Organ of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints in Great Britain

Vol. 114

No. 10

October, 1952

CONTENTS.

221 AMMON'S HARVEST SONG

222 EDITORIAL: An Interesting Story

Elder Willis H. Brimhall

224 A PHARMACIST LOOKS AT THE WORD OF
WISDOM - - - Elder Richard E. Ostler

226 SOME SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF THE WORD
OF WISDOM - - Elder Ronald S. Hanson

228 THE JET PILOT AND THE WORD OF
WISDOM - by Elder Jack L. Tueller

230 GIVE THE LORD A CHANCE

President George Albert Smith

231 BRANCH-TEACHING MESSAGE
Month of October, 1952

232 THE APOSTACY, Part III: Doctrinal Changes

T. Edgar Lyon

234 PRESENT STATUS OF BOOK OF MORMON
ARCHAEOLOGY, Part II: Principles of Corres-
pondence and Book of Mormon Geography

Ross T. Christensen

238 BRITISH MISSION STATISTICS

THE COVER

The cover, drawn by
Brother Walter Chiles,
depicts the fruits of a
typical English harvest.
It is also the time of the
year when we think of
our harvests for the
Kingdom of Heaven.
See Ammon's harvest
song on opposite page.

MILLENNIAL STAR STAFF.
Editor: A. Hamer Reiser

Associate Editor: Willis H. Brimhall

The MILLENNIAL STAR is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts,
but welcomes contributions. Manuscripts are preferred typewritten,
double-spaced form, but are acceptable in legible handwriting.

Rates: 10s. per year.

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Single Copies Is.

149 Nightingale Lane, London, S.W.12 Telephone: Battersea 4510
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AMMON'S HARVEST SONG

<4 Jtnd now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren: . . .
how great reason have we to rejoice . . . Behold, the field was
ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did
reap with all your might, yea, all day long did ye labour; and
behold the number of your sheaves!

. . . Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the
last day . . . but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered
together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to
them . . .

But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest,
and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last days . . .

Alma 26:1-14.

221

EDITORIAL

An interesting story

f\ r. Marcus Bach,1 associate director of the School of Religion at
Iowa State University, and an author, though non-mormon,
that has written accurately and brilliantly on the Restored Gospel
and the history of its people, has this to say:

I learned that many people who had only a superficial
knowledge about the Latter-day Saint Church contended
that the faith lacked an intellectual challenge. They said
that you Mormons were told what to believe and you believed
it. They insisted that the Church was authoritative and
supreme. My research indicated that while all this could be
substantiated, it was only a half truth.

There is more permission for theological speculation
in your (the Mormon's) religion than in many other insti-
tutionalised faith. Scholarly investigation and popular con-
sideration of stated tenets are constantly going on. I have
been in correspondence with a Mormon layman who, after
an examination of many religions has concluded that he is
"intellectually freer" within the framework of Latter-day
polity. I know a Mormon businessman who says the Church
gives him complete "democracy of thought." A Mormon
attorney is writing and interpreting in his own way, unham-
pered, certain phases in the field of religious archaeology.

But what I mean by intellectual content is not freedom
to doubt or right to investigate. I mean the application of
belief to life. It is one thing to profess a creed. It is quite
another thing to live it. My research has shown me that
young men of the Mormon faith not only believe in the
missionary programme of the Church, they demonstrate it.
The true Mormon not only reads the Word of Wisdom, he
lives it. The real Mormon is not ashamed to keep with his
heart what he professes with his lips. Tenets which seem
vague and fantastic to the non-mormon — baptism for the
dead, progressiveness of God, celestial marriage — are under-
stood intellectually by the genuine follower of the faith.
That is what makes these beliefs vital and I think in all
of this you have an interesting story to tell.2

Dr. Bach also has an interesting story to tell, for it shows that
a basic point of departure in the Mormon missionary system is the
force of a good example. Mormonism applied has three or four times

222

the explosive force that Mormonism spoken has. Its impact on
people with whom Mormons mingle is no less forceful.

We take for granted that the Lord has revealed divine truths
to us; also we are fully aware that Jesus Christ is at the head of
the Church, and the central-most figure of our faith. We believe in
Jesus Christ with all the many ramifications of that belief — one of
which is a sincere attempt to order our lives, in principle and in
application, as nearly like the life of the Master as it is possible
for us to do. Our hopes for eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven
are inseparably bound with the application of principles of righteous-
ness to this earth phase of our existence. Latter-day Saints believe
that the Saviour has entrusted to them the great privilege and
responsibility of revealing to mankind what it means to be a true
believer in Christ. The Word of Wisdom, tithing, fast offerings,
keeping the Sabbath holy, exercising a Christ-like love, for example,
help us in body and mind to true disciples of Jesus Christ.

We teach by contagion, not self-righteousness, for it is our
charge to be so full of the Christian spirit — of faith, love, mercy,
humility, and integrity — that people will feel the strength of our
faith and will be attracted not repelled.

Paul teaches this idea in II Corinthians 3:2-6:

"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and
read of all men:

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle
of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with
the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in
fleshy tables of the heart.

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any
things as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testa-
ment; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Dr. Bach's remarks are encouraging and refreshing. We wish
to be examples to all men. We hope to be explicit examples of the
truthfulness of the Gospel, and to be a living testimony of its
application.

Elder Willis H. Brimhall

1 Dr. Bach, associate director of the School of Religion at Iowa State, University,
is a writer of religious literature that has wide acclaim in America. A chapter
from his latest book, FAITH AND MY FRIENDS, has recently been reprinted by
the Deseret Book Company under the title, THE MORMON. It deals with the
history and the doctrines of the Church.

'-' Marcus Bach. You Mormons have an Interesting Story to Tell. Instructor.
September. 1952, p. 286.

223

A PHARMACIST LOOKS AT THE

Elder Richard E. Ostler

The Word of Wisdom is the health law of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. Through revelation of the Lord to Joseph Smith, the
prophet, this divine law was given to the saints of the latter days on February
27th, 1933, and begins thus:

A Word of Wisdom for tho. benefit ... of the saints of Zion . . . not

of commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom,

showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all

saints in the last days. Given for a principle with promise, adapted'

to . . . all saints, who are or can be called saints.1

It is the intention of the author in this article to review the Word of Wisdom
as a pharmacist would review it, to point out (1) detrimental physiological
effects on the human system produced by certain drugs warned against by the
Word of Wisdom, (2) the beneficial physiological effects on the human system
produced by the foods that are ordained for the use of man, (3) the rewards of
health that a person may inherit as a result of faithful adherence to the divine
food law embodied in the Word of Wisdom. The name, Word of Wisdom, is well
suited for the purpose it is to render, for much of our strength, vitality, and
capacity for righteousness depends upon the ability of our bodies and minds to
develop wisdom; it is indeed a "Word of Wisdom."

This inspired document applies, in its broadest sense, to all mankind. There
is no man that cannot be benefited by seeking to live in harmony with the
principles set forth in the law.

We live in a day that, for profit, powerful commercial interests seek to
undermine the health and happiness of great masses of people. Dangerous
poisons and drugs are not controlled by law because of the powerful interests of
minority groups. It is to His people, and against the evil designs of some men,
that the Lord enlightens with the divine law of health.

The drugs and substances which the Word of Wisdom specifically warns us
against are grouped into three main groups. These are:

1. Strong drinks (all alcoholic drinks).2

2. Tobacco.

3. Hot Drinks (tea and coffee).3

Alcohol is the waste produce of the metabolism4 of certain micro-organisms,
and is produced by the decomposition of sugar by these bacteria. Even the growth
of the organisms is retarded and finally stopped as the alcohol concentration
increases. No wise person would willingly and knowingly eat or drink the products
of putrefaction, yet the lack of wisdom in the world is apparent by the amount
of money mis-used in the purchase of liquor.

The title of this article was selected by the editors to emphasise the pharma-
cist's point of view. It is an unusual approach to the Word of Wisdom because
it is writteri in the analytical and critical style of a pharmacist. The pharmacist
is in a position to review with accuracy the drugs which the Word of Wisdom
warns against, because his work deals directly with medicine and drugs.

Elder Richard E. Ostler, a missionary in the Norwich District, is a registered
pharmacist in the States of Utah and Idaho. He graduated from Idaho State
College in June, 1950, and was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science. Since
that time he has practiced pharmacy in Utah for more than a year prior to his
call to the mission field.

224

WORD OF WISDOM

Alchohol is a depressant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord). The inebriate displays a lack of body and moral control, and the effect
of the alcohol upon his system is to slow his reaction time and inhibit his motor
control. Brain swelling is a characteristic reaction of the body to alcohol, and is
responsible for the well-known "hangover." A fatal dose of alcohol is about
250-500 cubic centimeters, or about a pint of pure or nearly pure alcohol.

This substance in 70 per cent, concentrations is a fine external cleansing
agent for the body. It is a general protoplasmic poison which affects bacterial
tissue, but is not readily absorbed by the body through the skin, and therefore is
a very useful disinfectant. As good as it is for the body on the outside, it is most
harmful on the inside of the body. Alcohol has always been intimately associated
with the ruin of men and nations of men by the use of the poisonous substance
in the human body.

Tobacco is not for the body. Prudent men have recognised the true qualities
of tobacco since its introduction to human-kind several centuries ago. The giddi-
ness and nausea associated with tobacco, as well as its habit-forming qualities
are well known. Tobacco contains nicotine which is in a class of basic nitro-
genous compounds known as alkaloids, which are very poisonous. Other alkaloids
include strychnine and morphine. One drop of nicotine may be fatal to an adult,
and one-sixth drop may be fatal to a child when the dose is absorbed into the blood
stream. Tobacco is 1 to 8 per cent, nicotine. Deaths due to tobacco have been
reported from 0.8 grams of snuff, 8 grams of tobacco administered as an enema,
and 30 grams by mouth."1 Nicotine, as well as carbon monoxide, pyridene, ammonia,
and tar, are the chief active ingredients of tobacco smoke, and they are no doubt
responsible for the well known irritation of the nose, throat and lungs. In toxico-
logy, the study of poisons, nicotine is classified as a brain convulsant. Tobacco is
advertised as being less irritating or less expensive, but what is less irritating or
less expensive than none at all?

"Hot drinks are not for the body." Hot drinks were defined by Joseph Smith
the Prophet, Hyrum Smith, and Brigham Young, as tea and coffee. These two
drinks contain the alkaloid caffeine. Tea contains 1 to 5 per cent, caffeine, and
a trace of theobromine, theophylline, and tannine Coffee contains 0.5 to 2 per
cent, caffieine, and other substances, some of which seem to cause ulcers in many
individuals. The average cup of tea or coffee contains one grain of caffeine, and
this largely accounts for its popularity as a beverage since caffeine is a stimulant
to the central nervous system.7 Tea drinkers are the drug addicts, says Dr. Stross.
Dr. Stross, a British authority on industrial diseases, explained that the average
strong cup of tea contained l.\ grains of caffeine. The highest dose of this drug
prescribed by the doctors is five grains a day, yet some people think nothing of
drinking ten or more cups per day. This would give then three times the pre-
scribed dose. A drug is a medicine that should be taken on the advice of a
medical doctor. Many drugs which are innocous in small amounts are available
to the public. Many of these are very dangerous when used indiscriminately by
the uninformed. Caffeine is one such drug.

Cocoa and chocolate contain the alkaloid theobromine, a close relative of
caffeine. Theobromine irritates the kidneys, therefore, these two harmful products
should not be used.

Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine all interfere with man's free agency. They are
all habit forming. Industrial studies show that they lower efficiency in both

continued on page 240

225

SOME SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF THE

Elder Ronald S. Hanson

When man was first placed upon
the earth he was a different
being to what he is now. His body was
strong, athletic, robust and healthy;
his life expectancy was prolonged; his
mind was vigorous and active, and his
intellectual faculties clear and compre-
hensive.1 But man has lost the digni-
fied and majestic stature which he had
from the beginning, and his body has
become degenerated, his mental alert-
ness impaired, and his capacity for joy
decreased. He has allowed himself to
become the partaker of all manner of
evils and has degenerated himself to
a position where his body and mind
have become ravaged with disease. So
now, in our day and age, the Lord in
His infinite wisdom has provided a
means whereby all of the saints, and
any who will give heed to His precepts,
may overcome this fallen state by ren-
dering obedience to the health laws
proffered in the Word of Wisdom.

It was during the infant years of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints when the members were
faced with much intolerance that this
law came into being. Because of the
physical persecution heaped upon them
by the biased citizens of the States in
which they were resident the saints
were subject to a constant struggle to
provide their bodies with proper nour-
ishment. In the midst of this turmoil
and strife the Prophet Joseph Smith
with his keen intelligence perceived
that the saints, in order to be full of
joy and happiness and to overcome
despondency, needed to have healthy
bodies, clear minds, and a broad
spiritual outlook. As a result of the
Prophet's love for the people and his
untiring devotion to their physical and
spiritual welfare came the health law
of the Church.

The law came not as a command-
ment or constraint, but was given for
a principle with promise showing forth
the order and will of God in the tem-
poral salvation of all saints in the last
days.2 The co-ordinate principles of
temporal salvation and spiritual re-
demption have become so closely allied
that it is impossible to separate them.
The Word of Wisdom then, offers a
guide to spiritual redemption and
salvation as well as to temporal.

A person reading the revelation and
corroborating its principles with the
fundings of modern day science can
easily understand how living it would
be beneficial to our temporal well-being
and happiness, but oftentimes over-
looks the great spiritual blessings to be
gained by obedience to this command-
ment.

The underlying principle upon which
the spiritual blessings are predicated
is simple. The Apostle paul, in writing
to the Corinthians, said "Know ye not
that ye are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If
any many defile the temple of God. him
shall God destroy; for the temple of
God is holy, which temple ye are."^
Here Paul explains that our body i&
the dwelling place of the' Spirit of God
and that if we keep our bodies clean
the Spirit of God will dwell with us,
but if we all ow our bodies to become
corrupt we lose the blessings of the
Spirit. By being privileged to obtain
the Spirit of the Lord we place our-
selves in a position to learn great and
wonderful things, for the Lord pro-
mises us that through this means we
can find wisdom and great treasures of
knowledge.

All of the gifts of the Spirit are
available to Latter-day Saints who live
the Word of Wisdom. These gifts in-

The article above, written by Elder Ronald S. Hanson, shows the vital con-
nection between physical and spiritual health. The Word of Wisdom is to help
us prepare in body and in mind to be true disciples of Jesus Christ.

226

WORD OF WISDOM

elude the spirit of prophecy, the power
of healing, the spirit of prayer, the
gift of tongues, and other such mar-
vellous gifts which are promised to
those who believe and obey. Latter-
day Saints who understand this prin-
ciple do not consider themselves pru-
dish when they abstain from tea, cof-
fee, tobacco, alcohol, and other manner
of evilSj but realise the sure knowledge
that through their abstinence they
purify their bodies, free themselves
from temptation, and live happier,
healthier, and more vigorous lives. It
is this love of the feeling of freedm
which prompts them to live wholesome
lives, not bound to the passions and
temptations of an earthly existence,
that they might find themselves in a
position capable of spiritual com-
munion. Love of the Lord and obedi-
ence to divine law qualify one for
spiritual communion, and strict obser-
vance of the Word of Wisdom indicates
our willingness to conform to the
"word and will" of God.

The principle of self-control is char-
acteristic of celestial beings. The Word
of Wisdom, by helping us curb lusty
appetites and overcoming other pas-
sions and desires, teaches us self con-
trol. The evil designs and temptations
of Satan have now power over the
spirit of man, but he has been given
freedom to render influence over the
earthy tabernacle. As long as the
spirit of the individual dictates the
actions of the body Satan has no claim
on that person, but as soon as the
spirit succumbs to the wills of the flesh
then Satan has power over both the
body and the spirit. By teaching our-
selves the principles of self-control from
an early age we are able to build up
resistance to the temptations and de-
signs of the Destroyer. We have freed
our spiritual desires from the bondage
of our earthly tabernacle. A person
being free from these earthly tempta-

tions finds new freedom in a healthy,
robust body, and a bright, eager, and
comprehensive mind. The Doctrine and
Covenants teaches us that the body and
the spirit must be combined or man
cannot receive a fulness of joy,» but the
body and the spirit must be combined
in perfect unity to fulfil the measure
of their creation.

The spirit and mind of man cannot
exercise their full power when confined
in an unhealthy body. A body full of
aches and pains detracts the mind
from centering itself upon spiritual
themes. The pains that are ever present
in the mistreated body, holds the
attention, and prevents useful
activities. The well nourished,
but temperate body, may be com-
pared to a well kept machine that
runs without noise or jarring. Such a
machine does its work properly and
without interruption; such a body per-
forms its functions with no distracting
concomitant phenomena. In such a
healthy body the healthy mind and
pure spirit may work their will to-
gether, until the way of the Lord
becomes the way of man.5

To the disobedient darkness and
blindness of mind with regard to the
things of God will be their lot. They
will cease to have the spirit of prayer,
and the spirit of the world will in-
crease in them in proportion to their
disobedience until they apostatise en-
tirely from God and His ways. Also
their bodies will become subject to dis-
ease and all manner of physical ail-
ments. The ultimate result will of course
be death. When the persons becomes
afflicted with disease he is then ready
to curse the Lord for not answering
his prayers and relieving him of his
afflictions.

Prepare to die is not the exhortation
in the Church and Kingdom: but pre-
pare to live is the word with us, and
improve all we can in the life hereafter,

— continued on page 242

227

THE JET PILOT AND THE

|an's invasion of the upper strato-
sphere at speeds exceeding that
of sound is placing increasingly great
demands upon the human body. Jet
flying in high altitudes is full of con-
ditions harmful to the human being
and capable of producing permanent
injury or agonising death.

At altitudes of 40,000 feet or more
the first great danger is that of the
lack of oxygen to sustain life. A second
danger is the lack of air pressure.
Even though pilots breathe 100 per
cent, oxygen, lack of pressure at great
altitudes crates an inability of the
blood stream to carry the artificially
induced oxygen supply in the blood to
the tissues of the body. In fact, at an
altiutde of * 50,000 fet, the pressure of
the air is so low that human blood
at body temperature will boil away.

Millions of pounds and several years
have been spent in developing pres-
sure cabins and new type oxygen
equipment and other systems with
which to overcome the conditions of
high-altitude, high-speed flying. How-
ever, as new systems are developed, it
is increasingly more apparent that the
human body must be in optimum con-
dition to exist and function forty or
fifty thousand feet above the earth.

I have been flying fighter planes,
especially jet aircraft in the past few
years, and have had many opportuni-
ties to experience personally, and to
observe in other pilots, the effects of
the speed of sound. These experiences
invading the upper stratosphere at
and observations lead me to believe
that the commandment we know as
the "Word of Wisdom" contributes
much to successful jet flying. I am
firmly convinced that even greater
than fine machines, adequate oxygen
supply, perfected pressure systems,
and other scientific advancements, is

the ability of the human body to ad-
just itself to foreign situations. Pine
scientific systems are a wonderful aid
to high-altitude flying, but there is no
substitute for the tip-top physical
condition of the pilot. That is why the
Word of Wisdom is so important.

At the Aviation School of Medicine
at San Antonio, Texas, it was amply
demonstrated to me that the use of
tobacco and alcohol definitely deterior-
ated the capcity of the human body to
withstand the effects of high-altitude,
high-speed flying. It was proven to me
that nicotine causes nitogren to be
more easily liberated from the blood
stream. This condition is well known
to deep-sea divers as well as to aviators,
and is called the "bends." I have wit-
nessed many pilots having to descend
to lower altitudes, and some even to
the home base because of extreme pain
caused by the "bends." It is interest-
ing to nota that Dr. Charles Sheard of
the Mayo Clinic maintains that smok-
ing two cigarettes is enough to impair
a person's night vision. Nicotine is a
vasoconstrictor, which cuts the flow of
blood to the retina (and other parts
of the body as well) causing a 15-30
minute delay in the time eyes require
to adjust themselves to dim light. It
is because of this that United States
Air Force Manuals advise against smok-
ing before night flights.

I have learned that there is a dead-
ening or dulling effect of alcohol that
takes place on the nerve centres which
control the activities of the body. For
instance, alcohol weakens the nerve
centres which control the beating of
the heart and so allows it to beat
faster, but without increased power of
heart. It may depress nerve centres
control the tension of the blood ves-
sels, allowing them to expand. This
lowers normal pressure on the blood

228

WORD OF WISDOM

stream of circulating blood and the
heart must beat faster to restore the
normal tension. This can have .serious
consequence when the Jet pilot is sub-
jected to high-speed pull outs, result-
ing in "black out." This is a condition
of flight in which all of the blood is
sent to the lower portion of the body,
finally concluding in a definite "black
out," or unconscious state. Every Jet
pilot is subjected to this phenomenon
and it is pointed out that success or
failure is dependent upon the length
of tune that he remains in a semi-
conscious condition. The ability of the
heart to replenish the blood supply to
the brain of this pilot will determine
his slow or rapid return to conscious-
ness.

The nicotine user will regain
consciousness more slowly than this
man who does not use it. In
the case of alcohol the nerve
centres that control movement are
weakned. This leads to increased and
even extravagant muscular activity
which of itself would increase the rate
of the heart beat. For these various
reasons under some conditions the
heart beats faster after alcohol has
been taken, and is less well controlled.
At the terrific speed of modern-day
aircraft, all faculties of movement
must be in perfect condition and any
impediment of the faculties will create
a greater chance for crash or mid-air
collision.

In Jet flying, we must consider the

Word of Wisdom in iis broad aspect.
The practice of eating improper foods
and not receiving the proper amount
of rest can evidence Itself in dangerous
and err.u ic flying.

It might be said of the Word of
Wisdom, that it is a code of modera-
tion in all things. Even though it was
given at a time of little scientific
proof of its admonitions, modern-day
living and science is proving the use-
fulness of the Word of Wisdom. I am
thankful to my Father in Heaven that
I have learned the importance of the
Word of Wisdom. I have tested it un-
der trying conditions that exacted the
utmost of my body and faculties and I
shall try to show by example to my
fellow pilots the value of good clean
living and moderation in all things.
As I fly near the speeds of sound and
marvel at the wonders of man's genius
and scientific advancement. I thrill
even more at the greatness of God in
creating the human being, and the
remarkable powers of the human body
when its is properly treated. I am
humble in this realisation and am
thankful that He has given such a
commandment as the Word of Wis-
dom in order that our bodies might
function in an efficient manner, giv-
ing us health, happiness and success
in the endeavours of our mortal lives.

Lt. Col. Jack L. Tueller

Director of Jet Flying Safety. United
States Air Force in the United Kingdom.

Editor's Note. — Elder Tueller was asked to contribute this article to relate the
Word of Wisdom to high-altitude flying. Elder Tueller. a veteran of more than
ten years' flying experience, speaks authoritatively on a subject that reveals the
Word of Wisdom to have great value to men whether they be on the earth or
forty thousand feet above it. moving at speeds near that of sound. Such conditions
call for the best in aircraft and pilot.

229

GIVE THE LORD A CHANCE

I remember one day I was impressed to say to a missionary who was going to
a certain town in England where they would not let us hold street meetings:
"Now remember, give the Lord a chance. You are going to ask a favour. Give
the Lord a chance. Ask Him to open the way."

The young man went to that city, went into the office of the mayor, and
asked if he could see him. He was going to ask if they might change the rule.

When he got there, he found that the mayor was out of town. The young
man came out of the office, looked down the hall and saw on a door at the end
of the hall, "Chief Constable's Office." He hesitated a moment, and something
said to him: "Give the Lord a chance." He walked into the chief constable's
office and told him what he had come for. When he finished, the man said:
"Well, what street corner would you like?"

The young missionary said, "I don't know this city as well as you do. I
would not ask for a corner that would be undesirable, or that would block the
traffic. Would you mind helping me to select a corner?"

In fifteen minutes they had one of the best corners in town, with permission
to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I remember another incident of this nature. Brother John A. Widtsoe had
a remarkable experience when he was in Scandinavia. He found a whole collec-
tion of genealogical records in a little store on a side street, which he felt
prompted to visit without knowing why. The proprietors did not have use for
the records, and he bought them very reasonably. They were Scandinavian
genealogies that were priceless, but if he had not been praying about it, and
if he had not been looking for them, and if he had not obeyed the promptings
of the Spirit, he might not have found them. These records could not have beert
duplicated nor otherwise obtained in any other manner known to us.

The Lord has a way of accomplishing things that we are unable to do for
ourselves, and He never asks us to do anything that He does not make the way
possible. That is what He told Nephi. He will not require anything without pre-
paring the way.

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do
the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth
no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for
them" (1 Nephi 3:7).

If you have something that the Lord asks or expects you to do and you
don't know just how to proceed, do your best. Move in the direction that you
ought to go; trust in the Lord, give Him a chance, and he will never fail you.

President George Albert Smith

"Give the Lord a Chance" is a valuable attitude for every Latter-day Saint
to cultivate. We cannot expect the Lord to do things for us if we do not give
Him the opportunity to work with us. President Smith, an exemplar in giving
the Lord a chance, tells two stories to illustrate the principle.

230

BRANCH TEACHING LESSON

LESSON 2

OCTOBER, 1952

Article 1: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ,
and in the Holy Ghost."

THE TRINITY

^p he presiding council of the universe is composed of three separate and distinct
personages: (1) God, the Eternal Father; (2) His Son, Jesus Christ, and
(3) the Holy Ghost. That these individuals are physically distinct from each
other has been demonstrated on several occasions recorded in the scriptures.
At the time of the Saviour's baptisms, the three personages of the Godhead were
present manifesting themselves in three different ways. See Matthew 3.16-17;
Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22. The Saviour promised His disciples that the Comforter
should be given to them, which is the Holy Ghost, and which should be sent by
the Father (John 14:16).

Each member of the Trinity is called God and associated together they are
called the Godhead. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are distinct personages
as are any three personages in mortality, but they are one in spirit and purpose,
united perfectly, seeing eye to eye, and understanding alike, of one heart, mind,
and purpose. See John 14:9-11. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit and does
not tabernacle in a body of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is also called the
Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of God, Comforter, Spirit of Truth. His
special mission is to bear witness of the Father and the Son. No man can say
that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:3). He will
guide you into all truth (John 16:13). He also testifies of the attributes of the
other two members of the Godhead. These are some of the attributes: (D God is
omniscient — having universal knowledge. Known unto God are all His works
(Acts 15:18). (2) He is omnipotent — all powerful. (3"> He is kind, benevolent,
loving, just, and merciful. See Exodus 34:6-7.

The ordinance of baptism is performed in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost.

231

THE APOSTASY

by T. Edgar Lyon

III. DOCTRINAL CHANGES

The gospel writers recorded that
shortly before the ascent of Jesus
Christ, He gave the apostles a specific
assignment. It was to go into the whole
world and preach the gospel to all
creatures. He promised that those who
would accept the message and its
accompanying ordinances would be on
the proper path toward salvation (see
Mark 16:15, 16). Inspired by this direc-
tive, the early Christian missionaries
embarked upon a career to offer the
opportunity for the salvation of the
soul to every living creature, regardless
of race, language, culture or religious
practices. Christianity became a move-
ment, the object of which was the sal-
vation and redemption of every mortal
being (see Paul's declaration in Acts
17:29-31).

The doctrines of Original Sin, the
Depravity of Man and Infant damna-
tion, which came to be accepted as
Christian teachings by an apostate
church, demanded a modification in the
doctrine of universal salvation. If, it
was reasoned, mankind is utterly cor-
rupt, incapable of any good act and
unable to repent from sinful acts, God
alone can bring salvation to them as
an act of condesceding graciousness.
It was obvious to the theologians who
worked on these problems that God
would not save all mankind by extend-
ing to each individual this priceless
eift. In the fallen state there were too

232

many who had angered God through
sinful living for Him to extend to them
the benefits of the grace of Christ.
Gradually there evolved a doctrine that
is known as Predestination. Two views
have been taught concerning its nature.

The first one teach that Adam and
Eve, through their transgression,
plunged all of the human family into
a state of sinful life whereby they be-
came condemned in the eyes of God.
They thus condemned themselves
through their sinful living and would
be left in this lost state forever. How-
ever, God, in His infiite goodness, de-
cided to save some of these contemp-
tible souls in order to manifest His
power over sin and at the same time
enhance His glory. Therefore, at the
moment of birth, God decreed that
some would be saved and the others
would be left to their own damnation.

The other theory concerning the
origin of the doctrine asserted that it
was God, not the sinful nature of man,
that led to his damnation. The infinite
God, however, in His mercy, and to
add to His glory and manifest the
greatness of His power, exempted some
from His pronouncement of damnation
and these became the ones who were to
be saved. The only fundamental dif-
ference between this theory and the
one earlier discussed is whether God
caused the damnation or mankind
produced it. The end result, namely,

the salvation of a portion of mankind,
is the same inasmuch as it is God's will,
not that of the indiviudal mortals,
which ultimately saves them.

The theologians called this teaching
the doctrine of "Election" or "Election
by Grace." Biblical evidence for it they
presumed to find in Paul's statements
found n Romans 8:28-30 and Ephe-
sians 1:5. While these statements ap-
pear on the surface to infer the pos-
siblity of such a doctrine, a careful
study of them, in light of the entire
message of Paul and his missionary
activities, would seem to indicate that
Paul meant something drastically dif-
ferent from the interpretation that
apostate Christianity has placed on
them. It is preposterous to believe that
Paul risked life and limb, suffered dis-
comfort and persecution, simple to
carry a message of Christ and Him
crucified to those who were already
predestined to be saved regardless of
what they knew. Furthermore, it
would have been foolish for Paul to
have preached repentance everywhere
as he did to all people if only God's
elect were capable of receiving it.
There must obviously be some explana-
tion of Paul's statements other than
that God determines who is to be
saved.

After this doctrine had become es-
tablished in Christian theology, it
necessitated another corruption of a
Biblical teaching in order to maintain
the authority of the predestrinarian
teachings. According to the teachings
of the early Christians, Jesus had died
to save all mankind. Paul stressed this
by declaring that just as sin had been
introduced in the world through Adam,
through Christ, the result of that sin
had been destroyed. The effects of the
atonement of Jesus were thus auto-
matically extended to every mortal who
had been born or who would die (see
1 Corinthians 15:22>.

Such a doctrine could not be fitted
into the scheme of things that had
been created by teaching predesti-
nation. Therefore, the doctrine of the
universal atonement of Jesus had to
be modified. This was done through
what is commonlv named the doctrine

of the "Limited Atonement" or "Parti-
cular Atonement." It teaches that
Jesus' atonement was limited to that
particular group that God had or
would predestinate for salvation accord-
ing to the "election of grace." This
denied the scriptural basis upon which
the world-mission of Christianity had
been constructed and denied the
mercifulness of God and the love of
Jesus for all mankind.

In the doctrines of Predestination
and Limited Atonement we see a per-
il d example of the manner In which
error replaces truth. Every person who
has been placed over others — a parent,
a guardian, a teacher, a group leader —
becomes aware that people have a ten-
dency to avoid unpleasant consequences
of acts by telling falsehoods. But too
often a falsehood is detected, and a
second falsehood is created to cover
the defect in the first. Then, when the
second falsehood is about to be re-
vealed, a third one is fabricated to
cover up the defects in the first two.
This is an endless chain until some-
one breaks it and exposes the false-
hoods which have built up the chain
of lies. In similar fashion, when the
world departs from the basic truths of
the Gospel, the entire chain of teach-
ings becomes subject to modification.
The moment that error is admitted into
the system of religious thinking, other
doctrines must be changed to fit the
first modification. Once the departure
from truth is started, there is practi-
cally no way to stop the further de-
partures except by admitting the
original error and restoring the true
doctrine to its proper position. Such
admission is seldom made by an
individual and even less frequently by
a group or a church. Once started,
complete apostasy is almost inevitable.

Another guidepost along the way of
apostasy is found in the manner in
which medieval Christianity attempted
to explain the atonement of Jesus. The
scriptural teachings had stressed the
fact that death had come into the
world through sin of our original
parents. For centuries prior to the
coming of the Saviour. Israel had

continued on uage 243

233

PRESENT STATUS

OF BOOK OF MORMON

ARCHAEOLOGY

Ross T. Christensen

Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology,
Brigham Young University

PART II

Principles of Correspondence and
Book of Mormon Geography

We have already seen what "Book of Mormon archaeology" is and the sort
of help that we can expect to get from it. Further, we have begun to
consider the question of just how far this study has been carried. In the present
article we shall look into the last-mentioned matter at greater length. We shall
summarise what I have chosen to call a "major" correspondence between the
Book of Mormon and the archaeological evidence.

The Principle of Correspondence

We made quite a point in the last article of the possibility of scientifically
testing the historical claims of the Book of Mormon (which means, in effect,
testing of the very foundations of Mormonism) by the use of archaeological
evidence. This is made possible through what I shall call the "principle of corres-
pondence"— a formidable designation for something that is really very simple.
All we mean by "correspondence" is similarity of parts. Where a part or aspect
of one thing is similar to the same part or aspect of another thing, we begin to
look for an explanation of this similarity. Perhaps it can be explained by mere
chance. But where we have a considerable number of such similarities the pre-
sumption becomes strong that the explanation is one of common origin, that is,
that both things ultimately came from the same place.

Now what does all this mean with reference to the Book of Mormon? It
means that when we desire to perform an archaeological test of its historical
claims we look for correspondences — between the Book and the material remains
of the civilisation which it purports to tell about. If we do not find the simi-
larities, then the Book cannot be authenticated in this way; but if we find a
large number of them, and find them similarly combined beyond what chance
could have produced, and under circumstances where no "collusion" has been
possible, then the authenticity of the Book is well nigh guaranteed.

We have already spoken about the impossibility of "collusion" between
Joseph Smith and the archaeological profession when he brought forth the Book
of Mormon. It now remains for us to consider the number and combination of
these correspondences. For, although the evidence has only begun to come in,
it should nevertheless be possible to take stock of the present situation and thus
form an idea as to what the final answer is likely to be.

234

The Book of Mormon story was enacted on two stages: (1) The Near East,
which was the homeland of Jared, Lehi, and Mulek alike; (2) a "promised land"
which by common agreement is to be located somewhere in the New World. This
makes possible, indeed imperative, a three-way search for correspondences: (a)
between tho Book and the Near East; (b) between the Book and the New World
(or more exactly that portion of the New World where the story was enacted) ;
and (c) between the Near East and the New World. The presence of correspon-
dences in any one of these categories strengthens the Book of Mormon case;
the absence thereof weakens it.

Drs. Sidney B. Sperry and Hugh Nibley have made outstanding progress in
searching for correspondences of the first category, i.e., between the Book of
Mormon and the Near East.1 While their researches have been mostly in the
field of philology, this philology has been in turn pretty largely dependent upon
archaeological sources. The culture of the Near East in Joseph Smith's day, aside
from what was contained in the Bible itself, was practically unknown, a "twilight
zone of gorgeous mysteries."2 The light that has since then been cast upon the
scene has been due primarily to the efforts of men and women in the archaeo-
logical profession.

The second category, i.e., correspondence between the Book of Mormon and
the New World, is the principal field for the operation of the science of
archaeology. At soma place in the Americas the immigrants from Asia settled,
multiplied into mighty nations which flourished for many centuries, built
numerous cities and highways, and perished in bloody warfare. The material
remains of these civilisations will no doubt be more than sufficient for our
purpose when we once learn where they are.

The third category, i.e., resemblance between the Near East and the New
World — quite apart from anything which the Book of Mormon itself may say —
requires a comprehensive knowledge of the cultural picture in both the Near
East and the New World, which is perhaps a large enough order to overtax the
capacity of any one scholar in a single lifetime.

A thoroughgoing student of the problem of archaeologically testing the Book
of Mormon, then, is really required to become proficient in three separate fields:
(1) The Book of Mormon (which is astonishingly complex in and of itself >; <2)
Near Eastern archaeology and related studies; and (3) American archaeology
and related studies.

Major Correspondences

In these articles I am going to distinguish between major and minor corres-
pondences. By the former term I refer to those great, over-all similarities between
the total pattern of the Jaredite-Nephite story on the one hand and reconstructed
archaeological history on the other. Under this heading we may include both
geography and chronology, or in other words orientation in space and time. We
turn our attention first of all to these particular areas of correspondence for a
good reason: without a solid foundation in these two elements, no valid com-
parison is possible. We should have no way of knowing whether we were studying
a given incident of the story in connection with its proper archaeological setting,
or whether with ruins removed a thousand years in time and a thousand miles
in distance.

Under the heading of "minor" correspondences will be considered the myriad
particular resemblances which may exist between the two — comparatively minute
details many of which the layman, at first thought, would regard as inconse-
quential: such similarities as in wheeled toy vehicles, or in temple architecture,
found in Central America and Mesopotamia. But for the present we shall be
content to discuss one of the major correspondences, leaving the minor ones for
a future article.

235

Book of Mormon Geography

We come now to an examination of the correspondence in space between the
Book of Mormon account and the archaelogical record. This, we may call Book
of Mormon geography. The question is, can we locate in space the topographical
framework within which the story was enacted?

In the case of the Old World, the secene of events is not difficult to discover.
No one has ever questioned the location of Lehi's Jerusalem or his Red Sea.
The homeland from which Jared and his company departed in an earlier genera-
tion may be more of a challenge to place on the map, but if we accept the
identification of Ether's "great tower" with what was later known as the "tower
of Babel," its location in the heart of Mesopotamia is assured.

Once our migrants leave their homelands, however, the localisation of their
place names becomes less certain. Lehi clearly travelled south-eastward along
the Arabian shore of the Red Sea "for the space of many days," then turned
eastward across the desert.'5 Neither the place of his embarkation nor the route
of his voyage are known, apart from the obvious conclusion that he reached the
New World.4

The route of the Jaredite exodus is much more obscure. We cannot even be
sure from the account itself whether they went east or west. Both routes have
been seriously proposed.

When our colonists reach the New World, their movement in space becomes
totally obscured for the reason that not one of their place names can we of the
present generation locate.

Dr. M. Wells Jakeman has outlined a logical procedure to follow in order to
discover the geography of the Book of Mormon:

(1) Internal reconstruction. From the evidence contained within the
record itself we should first reconstruct its internal relative geography.

(2) External identification. The next step is to examine a map of
the New World in search of a configuration of land which will match the
picture brought to view by step one. For a satisfactory result it is obvious
that we must not proceed to step two until step one has been
thoroughly completed.

(3) Archaeological testing. The configuration of land that is selected
as matching the internal reconstruction of Book of Mormon geography
is then to be tested by the achaeologist's spade. If step two has been cor-
rectly taken the very cities, highways, and other features required by
step one will come to light and the Book of Mormon will be to that
extent corroborated.

How far has this procedure thus far been carried out?

(1) A number of attempts at reconstructing the geography on the basis of
the internal evidence have been made. But by far the most thoroughgoing effort
is that of Dr. Jakeman.5 Intensive searching has brought to light over 500 state-
ments in the Book of Mormon which contain geographical information in one
form or another. The Brigham Young University professor reports an amazing
internal consistency of the evidence. Throughout an exceedingly complex narra-
tive, in which geographical references are often very specific, there never appears
a discrepancy.

A basic feature of the geography is the "narow neck of land" connecting
the Land Southward with the Land Northward. From a mountainous region in
the Land Southward an important river, the Sidon, flows northward to a hot
lowland, apparently a jungle country, and enters the sea somewhere in the
vicinity of the Narrow Neck. The Land Southward, moreover, is evidently sur-
rounded by water, except of course at the constriction leading to the Land
Northward. With information like this there should be no insurmountable diffi-
culty in performing the first and second steps.

(2) Various external identifications of the internal geography of the Book

236

of Mormon with an actual part of the New World have been made,*- only two
of which, however, have sufficient appeal to merit consideration here.

The first of these, which we might call the "Panama correlation,'" has long
been widely accepted throughout the Church, at least since the publication in
1882 of a statement believed to have originated with Joseph Smith giving the
"revealed" migration route and landing place of Lehi.7 If the colonists from
Jerusalem indeed disembarked in northern Chile, as the statement indicates,
then the Nerrow Neck — the central feature of the whole geographical scheme —
must be the present Isthmus of Panama. The Land Bountiful would be modern
Colombia; the River Sidon would be the Magdelena-Cauca; and so on <see map
facing page 244).

The "Tehuantepec correlation," which would identify the Narrow Neck with
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico, seems first to have been re-
ported in 1927 by Sjodahl.s According to this proposal, the Land Bountiful would
be approximately where the Mexican states of Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas
now lie; the River Sidon would be the modem Usumacinta: and so on (see map
facing page 244).

(3) Since we have two worthy candidates for the fulfilment of Book of
Mormon requirements, namely, the Panama and the Tehuantepec correlations,
the arcaeological test must be applied to each. However, because of the fewness
of researchers who have devoted themselves to the problem, it must be admitted
that the testing has only begun. Nevertheless, we should be able at this point
to add up the evidence that has so far come in and see what the outcome is
likely to be.

The Tehuantepec correlation at present appears to have the edge on its
rival. In the first place it has not been possible to show that the above-mentioned
statement concerning the landing place of Lehi actually came from Joseph Smith
or any other inspired source,'1 or that the Prophet ever claimed revealed know-
ledge as to geographical details. In the second place, it is possible to show that
he did speculate strongly on the identity of the ruins of Quirigua. eastern
Guatemala, with those of ancient Zarahemla.1"

The city of Zarahemla . . . stood upon this land "Central America*
... It is certainly a good thing for the . . . veracity ... of the Book
of Mormon, that the ruins of Zarahemla have been found where the
Nephites left them . . . We are not going to declare positively that the
ruins of Quirigua are those of Zarahemla, but when the land and the
stones, and the books tell the story so plain, we are of the opinion, that
it would require more proof than the Jews could bring to prove the
disciples stole the body of Jesus from the tomb, to prove that the ruins
of the city in question, are not of those referred to in the Book of Mormon.
If the Prophet was correct, it is hardly necessary to add that the Panama corre-
lation is automatically disqualified, for Zarahemla would then be in the Land
Northward, which is contrary to what the record says.

Furthermore, Colombia, which according to the Panama theory would be
the very heartland of the Nephite civilisation, has not produced any archaeo-
logical remains which could compare with what the Book requires. While the
Nephite record implies dense populations in this central region over long cen-
turies of time, in Panama and Colombia the remains are few and are highly
provincial in type. No great civilisational heights were achieved: indeed, "stand-
ing" ruing arc a rarity. Also, they practically all date from a time well after the
close of the Book of Mormon, nor am I aware of any discovery that would suggest
Near Eastern connections.

On the other hand, if we assume the general region of the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec to be the heartland of the Nephite civilisations everything else
seems to fall into place. The region of Campeche. Tabasco, and northern Guate-

continued on page 244

237

BRITISH MISSION STATISTICS

appointments and transfers

Elder Richard Heninger was appointed President of the Hull District, September
7th.

Elder James D. Brown was appointed Mission Secretary.

The following district transfers of missionaries have recently occurred:

Name From To Date

Elder Donald Gale Nottingham Bristol September 22nd

Sister Hannah Gale Manchester Bristol September 22nd

Elder Marlin H. Imes Birmingham London September 22nd

Elder Robert Hosking Welsh Nottingham September 22nd

Elder Bryant Christensen Welsh Hull September 22nd

Sister Donna Marie Porter Bristol Scottish September 1st

Sister Lou Jean Bourne Bristol Hull September 1st

Sister Jean Dunn Hull Manchester September 8th

releases

Name

August 19th
Elder Kyle S. Ransom
Elder Grant Winward
Elder Warren Davis
August 28th
Elder Dean Luddington
Elder Roger Bown
Elder James Bench
Elder Howard Heslington
Elder John A. Hulme
Elder Kenneth Smith
Elder Ray H. Wood
Elder Clifford Cutler
Elder Russell C. Robertson
Elder Darrell D. Lee
Elder F. Karl Egan
Elder Howard Dransfield
Elder Richard T. Rowley
September 4th
Elder Robert H. Hales
Elder Darrell Smith
Sister Marilyn Davis
Elder David P. Forsyth
September 5th
Sister Patricia Hilton

District

Welsh, Norwich

Scottish

Scottish

Leeds, Sheffield

Sheffield

Newcastle*

London, Norwich

Sheffield

London, London Office-j-

Leeds*

Scottish*

Leeds, London Office +

Leeds

London

Nottingham

Hull

Hull

Scottish, Birmingham

Scottish

Bristol, Wales*

Birmingham, Nottingham, Hull, Scottish,
Wales

238

September 10th

Elder L. Ray1 Gardiner

Elder Richard L. Dewsnup

Sister Barbara Hardy

September 18th

Elder Robert W. Bowman

Elder William E. Dibble

Manchester

Manchester*

Nottingham, Scottish, Bristol, Ireland

Nottingham, Manchester, Scottish, Norwich
Liverpool

* Served as District President.
i Served as Mission Secretary,
t Served as Second Counselor

in Mission Presidency.

baptisms

BIRMINGHAM DISTRICT
Westley Richards of Birmingham
Janet Preece of Wolverhampton
Ann Roberts of Coventry
Patricia Roberts of Coventry
Donald A. Bird of Coventry
Kathleen J. Bird of Coventry
Alice J. Woodward of Coventry
Winifred I. Lockett of Kidderminster
Harry W. Jones of Kidderminster

BRISTOL DISTRICT
Joan C. M. Roberts of Plymouth
Michael R. Roberts of Plymouth
Melvyn J. Cavill of Plymouth
Robert Burch of Plymouth
Henry Comer of Plymouth
Doris M. Hopkins of Plymouth
Margaret E. Hopkins of Plymouth
Brian R. Hopkins of Plymouth
Jean E. H. Littler of Plymouth

HULL DISTRICT
Mary Brooks of Grimsby

IRISH DISTRICT

William G. Patterson of Belfast

LEEDS DISTRICT

Marian E. Thompson of Leeds

Margaret Simon of Halifax

LIVERPOOL DISTRICT
Derrick L. Pickles of Nelson

LONDON DISTRICT

Thomas R. S. Barnett of Reading

Joan H. Barnett of Reading

Josephine A. Stevens of Brighton

Kevin R. Watts of South London

Frank Botterell of South London

Rosalind Tatton of Luton

Dolores M. Braddon of South London

Marjorie I. Rushton of South London

James T. Wishart of South London

Leila D. Beckingham of South London
Barbara J. Hicks of South London
Margaret M. Hamstead of S. London
MANCHESTER DISTRICT
George W. T. Skinner of Oldham
John McDonagh of Wythenshawe
Arthur Wilkinson of Wythenshawe

NEWCASTLE DISTRICT
Doreen J. Gibbs of Sunderland
Mildred Wilson of Sunderland
Agnes Menhennet of W. Hartlepool
Leslie Menhennet of W. Hartlepool
Mary E. Douglas of Sunderland

NOTTINGHAM DISTRICT
Eric N. Dryden
Jean O. Groves of Mansfield
SCOTTISH DISTRICT
Jeanie H. Kelly of Airdrie
Aileen G. Steele of Glasgow
Robert Thorpe of Edinburgh
Williamina H. Thorpe of Edinburgh
Daneilliah L. MacKay of Glasgow
Murdo MacMillan of Glasgow
Mary S. F. S. Roy of Dundee
Albert Roy of Dundee
Albert Roy, Jr. of Dundee
Kenneth Roy of Dundee
Ruth D. Dickson of Dundee
Alexina S. M. Ross of Dundee
Margaret S. M. Ross of Dundee
Joan G. Ross of Dundee
Douglas Duthie of Aberdeen
Charlotte S. Duthie of Aberdeen
Lilian W. Parle of Aberdeen

SHEFFIELD DISTRICT
Katbleen Bennett of Sheffield
Maud S. Copley of Sheffield
Ronald A. Bonser of Doncaster
Eileen Laughton of Chesterfield

239

A PHARMACIST LOOKS AT THE WORD OF WISDOM

— continued from page 226

physical and mental work. In small doses they are stimulating. In large doses
they all depress the respiration and produce death by respiratory failure. An
unnatural stimulation is always followed by a below normal depression of the
parts stimulated. This depression leads to the desire to again indulge in the
stimulating poisons. Narcotics were at first sold openly in spite of the medical
advice to the* contrary until public opinion and legislation made these dangerous
drugs available to public only on the prescription of a licensed doctor. It is to be
hoped that public opinion will also act against these other poisonous drugs.

The positive teachings of the Word of Wisdom have to do with the diet
necessary to man under varying conditions.8 Wholesome herbs, as mentioned
in the revelation, mean healthful herbs. Tea and coffee are not healthful! The
statement, "every herb in season," does not mean we have to eat every herb at
the time it is ripe. However, nutrition studies do show that washed natural foods
have a greater share of minerals, vitamins, and food values, than foods preserved
by cooking, sweetening, sealing, or freezing. We should strive to eat as many fresh
fruits and vegetables as we can. We are instructed to use these with prudence
as disease and obesity are some of the effects of using too many or too few of
these foods.

Our diet should contain carbohydrates (starch and sugar), fats (animal and
vegetable), proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Fresh fruits and vegetables
as well as milk products and eggs are the best sources of vitamins and minerals.
There are many complex sugars known as carbohydrates or starches. Fruits such
as apples, oranges, apricots, peaches, pears, and bananas are good sources of
sugars; while wheat, potatoes, and maize contain quantities of starch. Fats are
found in all nuts, soyabeans, margarine, milk products, and meats. Proteins are
the building material to our body cells. They are amino acids which contain
nitrogen or sulphur in addition to the carbon hydrogen, and oxygen contained
in carbohydrates and fats. These foods are broken down into carbon dioxide and
water in the body as they are used for fuel and maintenance.

Vitamins9 are of two types, the oil soluble (A, D, E, K) and the water soluble
(B complex: Thiamin, Niacin, Riboflavin; and C). Vitamin A is important to
normal eyesight and maintenance of mucous membrane of the nose,
throat, respiratory tract, and ears. It is found in green vegetables, carrots, and
halibut and cod liver oils. Vitamin D controls the deposition of calcium in the
bone and is called the anthirachitic vitamin. It prevents rickets in children. The
body makes it own vitamin D if the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin E main-
tains the muscle of the body. It may have a specific action on the heart muscle
and the reproductive system. It is found in wheat germ and liver. Vitamin D
is found in cod liver oil. In sunless countries cod liver oil should be taken every
day by everyone.

Thiamin or Bn is associated with normal nerve tone, and helps in utiliza-
tion of foods for fuel. It gives us a normal appetite and extra energy, and may
be found in yeast, wheat germ, meat, and fish. Riboflavin or Bn, found in milk,
green vegetables, eggs and meats, maintains tissue of the mouth, tongue, and skin.
It is concerned with tissue respiration or breathing. Niacin also helps to maintain
the skin plus the brain and bowels, and unites with complex proteins to catalyze
chemical action in the cells. Sources are whole wheat, fresh meats, and organ
meats, kidney, heart, etc. Lack of niacin produces pellegra, a disease, which kills
many undernourished people. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid maintains the cell walls
throughout the body. It prevents bruising and bleeding because of fragility of
cell walls of blood vessels. Its sources are oranges, lemons, and fresh fruits and
vegetables. Vitamin K is very important to proper clotting of the blood. It is in
cabbage, and is also produced by bacterial action in the intestines.

240

The minerals necessary in the body are calcium, iron, sodium, chloride,
magnesium, phosphorous, iodine, potassium, and in smaller amounts copper,
cobalt, zinc, and others are needed for health. Vitamins and minerals found in
natural foods are better than the synthetic vitamin and mineral supplements.
There are also other food factors which remain undiscovered or obscured in
dosage, and are necessary for optimum nutrition.

Flesh of beasts, fowl, and fish are to be used sparingly, or not at all, except
in times of winter and excess hunger.1" This means we will have to derive our
proteins from other sources. The reasons for the caution in using meat is under-
standable when we consider that meat is harder to digest and assimilate than
other foods. Meat takes longer to digest, more energy, and is more subject to
putrefaction by bacteria than other protein food. These putrefactive germs pro-
duce toxic or poisonous substances in the intestinal tract which are absorbed into
the body. Some authorities are showing these poisons seem to bring about old
age and shorten life. Milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and vegetables are much better
sources of protein and are not so susceptible to putrefaction because they remain
in the bowel a shorter time.

"All grain is ordained for the use of man and all animals and to be the
staff of life. ... All grain is good for the food of man as also the fruit of the
vine above or below the ground." These statements make clear that we are to
use all good food that grows in the ground as potatoes, peanuts, edible roots, etc.
Also fruit of the vine as tomatoes, melons, and edible st eds. "Nevertheless, wheat
for the man, corn for the ox, and oats for the horse . . ." Wheat is a very good
source of starches, fat, protein, minerals and B-complex vitamins so necessary
to life. More specifhcally whole wheat is the best source of carbohydrates, B-
complex vitamins, and vitamin E. White flour is not to be confused with its
parent, whole wheat. White flour is made from wheat, but it contains mainly
the starch with little of the protein and vitamins. It keeps longer but has been
robbed of much of its nutritive value in processing. It is bleached by a deadly gas.
nitrogen trichloride. Traces of this poison remain in the finished product. White
sugar must be condemend also as it is devitalised in refining. The greater share
of its minerals and all vitamins are removed by modern methods of industry.
Honey and molasses are good replacements. In both flour and sugar the food value
remains poor because the public demands a white easily preserved product. Once
again human health suffers because of public tastes and lack of education. The
cheaper the diet the more of the devitalised carbohydrates is found. Cancer, heart
disease, and diabetes have increased almost proportionately with the use of greater
amounts of white sugar and flour. Those relying on natural diets have a small
incidence of these complaints.

There is a myriad of rewards promised to those who will live this law."
"Health in the navel and marrow to the bones." We receive all of our nourish-
ment prior to birth through the navel. A baby shares with its mother in all
the benefits or deficiencies of her diet. This prenatal care determine health in
later life. Thus are our offspring promised health if we obey these laws.
It is necessary to have marrow in our bones in order to have proper
production of red blood cells. Red cell manufacture demands an adequate supply
of iron folic acid, and other factors. The prevalence of anaemia show that many
are violating this law.

A healthy person is able to conecntrate for a longer time. They are promised
wisdom, or intelligent use of their knowledge, and that they will be able to
comprehend much more of the purposes of life. It is also implied by this state-
ment that our search for truth will be made easier and our powers of retention
enhanced.

Modern day athletics illustrate the benefits of healthful living. All good
coaches know the importance of a proper diet and abstinence from alcohol,
tobacco, and stimulants in the training of their athletes. We are not all athletes

241

but we can derive strength and endurance from applying these principles of
health.

The promise of long life is very important. In this age of increased education
and training, we need more time to accomplish even greater works than have
been done in the past. Through modern medical research we are beginning to
conquer disease. First by diet, and then by preventitive measures. Intelligent use
of the divinely inspired Word of Wisdom will help us all to fully fill the measure
of our creation, and will give to all a greater share of happiness in this life. We
are in deed glorifying our Father in Heaven when we obey this important
law.

FOOTNOTES

1 Doctrine and Covenants, Section 89.
3D. & C. 89:5-9.

2 Winston Dictionary, 1946, -10-strong containing alcohol as strong drink.

4 Metabolism : life processes in living matter.

5 Clinical Toxicology, Thienes & Haley, p. 26, Lea & Febiger, 1948.

6 Tannins: organic acids used to coagulate or "cook" proteins.

7 The Chemistry and Pharmacy of Vegetable Drugs, Noel L. Allport, F.I.C.,
Research Chemist, the British Drug Houses, Ltd., Chemical Publishing Co.,
p. 137.

8D.&C. 89:10-17.

9 Vitamins : chemical substances necessary to life.
" D. & C. 89:18-24.

SPIRITUALITY AND THE WORD

OF WISDOM

— continued from page 227

wherein we may enjoy a more exalted
condition of intelligence, wisdom, light,
knowledge, power, glory, and exalta-
tion.6 We should therefore seek to gain
all we can from this life that will fur-
ther our progression in the world to
come. We must observe every law of
health, and by properly balancing
labour, study, rest, and recreation,
prepare for a better life.

The final and most important effect
of the Word of Wisdom is of a spiritual
nature. Those who obey it shall not
only find the greatest happiness in this

life because their capacity for joy is
unhindered by a weak body, a dull
mind, and a dim spiritual outlook, but
shall also be preparing themselves for
the inheritance of the Kingdom of
Heaven. Many laws of the Gospel lead
toward spirituality. Among them the
Word of Wisdom stands unchallenged.

Footnotes

1842,

1 Times and Seasons, June 1st,

Vol. 3:799.
2D. & C, Sec. 89.
3 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
4D. & C, Sec. 93:33-34.

5 Improvement Era, Vol. 4, pp. 769-773.

6 Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11:132.

SERVICEMEN'S NOTICE

Sister Gillian Halliday, a member of the Thirty-third Ward of Salt Lake City,
Utah, has been called on a mission to Great Britain by the First Presidency.
Sister Halliday is from Stroud, England, and has resided in Salt Lake City for the
past two years.

She is the missionary which the servicemen have raised a fund for, and we
encourage you to send your monthly contribution. Encourage other L.D.S.
servicemen to contribute, also.

242

APOSTASY, III continued Irom page 233

celerated the Feast of the Passover,
in which a sacrificial lamb had been
slain as a symbol of a great saving ex-
perience while sojourning in Egypt.
Jesus, according to Christian scrip-
tures, had come to earth to take upon
Himself the sins of all mankind, and
through a sacrificial, voluntary death,
break the bonds of death and free
mankind from the consequences of
Adam's transgression and make avail-
able for mankind the forgiveness from
personal sin. This we commonly refer
to as The Atonement. Not content with
the positive assertions of the scrip-
tures, theologians commenced to de-
vise explanations of how Jesus saved.
Many such theories have arisen and
been preached down through the cen-
turies. For purposes of illustration, two
of these will suffice. In medieval
Europe, under the feudal system, the
the country was broken into numerous
kingdoms, principalities, dukedoms,
counties and lesser subdivisions. Petty
warfare was often carried on between
these various divisions. Frequently a
king or prince or other nobleman was
captured by his opponent and locked
in the dungeon of the captor's castle.
His family and subjects were then
notified of the fact and allowed to ran-
som the captive by the payment of
sums of money or land or other ser-
vices. Taking this contemporary cus-
tom as the basis for reasoning, the
theologians taught that mankind had
fallen into the hands of Satan, who
held them captive, awaiting an oppor-
tunity to demand a ransom from God
for their release. This opportunity pre-
sented itself when Jesus came to earth
as the Son of God. Satan demanded
His death through torture as part
of this ransom and agreed to release
to God those souls whom God cared
to predestinate to everlasting life.
Once in the power of Satan, Jesus was
abused and finally crucified by the
Jews, and Satan's demand for a ran-
som was satisfied and he released part
of mankind to God. This is known as
the "Ransom Theorv of the Atone-

ment." It teaches that God paid him-
self, in the form of Jesus, to Satan.
One who has a high concept of the
character and purposes of God finds
it difficult to accept this theory as it
appears to be in violation of His
principles.

Another popular theory of the atone-
ment is known as the "Deception
Theory." Its teachings are basically
the same as the "Ransom Theory" just
referred to. However, it teaches that
Satan, in his lust for power decided to
trick God into a disadvantageous posi-
tion. Having released mankind, he
would hold the Son of God in his
power. Aware that God loved His Son
with a divine love, Satan then planned
to renew his attack against God and
would be able to make a still more
demanding bargain with the Eternal
Father. Satan hoped to demand abso-
lute lordship of the earth as the price
for the release of the Son of God.

Satan, however, did not realise that
Jesus (according to the doctrine of
the Trinity in Unity) was merely a
new manifestation of the Father. He
accepted the offer to release a portion
of mankind to God in exchange for the
payment of His Son. What he did not
know, however, was that the Son was
really the infinite God in another form.
The ransomed souls having been re-
leased to God in exchange for His Son,
God then deceived Satan by freeing
Himself through His divine power and
left Satan with nothing to show for
his efforts, as well as having gained
the release of those whom He planned
to save.

To one who studies the scriptures
with thoughtful care, these and simi-
lar theories manifest two obvious de-
fects. In the first place, the scriptures
do not teach that Satan was in pos-
session of all human souls. In the
second place. God would not need to
resort to bargaining with Lucifer on
Lucifer's terms, to effect the atone-
ment. Such explanations reflect the
philosophy and practices of the feudal
ages and not the ethical God of the
New Testament.

Success comes from working yourself, not your friends.

243

PRESENT STATUS OF BOOK OF MORMON ARCHAEOLOGY

—continued from page 237

mala was obviously heavily populated in antiquity and seems to have been the
centre of ancient American civilisation.11 The Usumacinta River, which flows
from the mountain country of Guatemale northward to the low, jungle country
of the southern Gulf Coast, is bordered by an uncounted number of important
ruined cities. It has indeed been called the "river of ruins."1- Very high civilisa-
tional standards were achieved; the occupation covered long periods of time and
almost certainly ran back into the pre-Christian era. In addition a number of
startling Near Eastern resemblances have presented themselves. Consider, for
example, the comment by a group of outstanding Americanists in their report on
excavations of a ruin which would be in the ancient land of Nephi, following the
Tehuantepec correlation: "Certain groups of Indians achieved civilisations
approximately on a level with, and in general extra-ordinarily like, those of our
own cultural ancestors of the Near East."1:i

The matter of Book of Mormon geography could profitably be discussed at
much greater length, but for now it is perhaps enough to summarise by saying
that the correspondence as to spatial, or geographical, requirements between the
Book of Mormon and the Near East appears highly satisfactory; while that
between the Book and the New World, using the Tehuantepec correlation, is
satisfactory as far as we have carried the investigation. We have thus made
substantial progress in the problem of testing the Book of Mormon by archaeo-
logical evidence, the test having so far substantiated the book.

(To be continued)

NOTES

1 See Notes 6, 7, and 8 of Part I of the present series, last issue, p. 218.

2 Hugh Nibley, "The Book of Mormon as a Mirror of the East," Improvement
Era, Vol. 51, No. 4 (April, 1948), p. 202.

s 1 Nephi 16:13-17, 33; 17:1, 5.

4 Cf . C. Douglas Barnes, "Lehi's Route to America," Improvement Era, Vol. 42,
No. 1 (January, 1939), pp. 26ff.

5 Scheduled for publication in the near future.

6 Ee. gg., Joel Ricks, Book of Mormon Geography. 1939 ; E. Cecil McGavin and
Willard Bean, The Geography of the Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City, 1948.

7 See Frederick J. Pack, "Route Travelled by Lehi and His Company," The
Instructor, Vol. 73, No. 4 (April, 1938), p. 160. Salt Lake City. Reprinted in
Thomas Stuart Ferguson, Cumorah — Where? pp. 71-72. Independence, Missouri,
1947.

s J. M. Sjodahl, An Introduction to the Study of the Book of Mormon, pp. 415-

418. Salt Lake City, 1927.
9 Pack, op. cit.

10 Joseph Smith, "Zarahemla" (editorial), Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, No. 23
i October 1st, 1842), p. 927. Nauvoo, Illinois.

11 Cf. Alfonso Caso, as quoted in Sylvanus Griswold Morley, The Ancient Maya,
p. 42. Stanford University, California, 1946.

12 Louis J. Halle, Jr., River of Ruins. New York City, 1941.

13 Alfred V. Kidder, Jesse D. Jennings, and Edwin M. Shook, Excavations at
Kaminaljuya, Guatemala, p. 260. Carnegie Institution of Washington, Publi-
cation 561. Washington, D.C., 1946.

The links of happiness are too weak to be bent until they are too strong to
be broken.

244

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f<^ \J

<\

'ord^Cxand

River
Si don

'\Lond \ A \

\ —" \LJrd \ j

\ River S\So\uth-\ J
\ Sidon\wardj/

0:>

B

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River
Sid on

PROPOSED CORRELATIONS

OF

BOOK OF MORMON GEOGRAPHY

(Adopted from M. W e II s Jak emon)

A. Internol Reconstruction

B. Ponoma Correlation

C. Tehuantepec Correlation

ENGLAND

Here in England you behold
The white chalk cliffs of Dover bold,
The rivers running deep and wide
Winding from the green hillside.

The long and turning country lanes;
Disturbed only by wind and rains,
The narrow streets of the cities twist
And disappear in the evening mist.

The labouring farmers homeward plod
All day they've tilled the rich brown sod,
And from the mouldering farmhouse eave
The swallows grace the sky with their weave.

The windmill sails on yonder hill
They've turned for years, and turn on still,
The babbling brook and stagnant fen
The rustic bridge in yonder glen . . .

This is the land where we were born;
This is a land not to scorn —
This is our land, our home, our rest,
This is a land that God has blessed.

John Wiles